CREAM OF ASPARAGUS RISOTTO

Steps:

• Trim rough ends from asparagus; discard.
• Cut off asparagus tips and reserve.
• Cut stalks into 3/4 inch-long pieces.
• Place 2/3 of stalk pieces, 1 cup broth and 1 cup water in blender, reserving the remaining 1/3 of stalk pieces.
• Puree mixture until smooth.
• Set aside.
• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add onion and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.
• Add rice and stir 1 minute.
• Add wine and cook until absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup broth and chopped rosemary, simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 4 minutes.
• Continue to cook for 15 minutes, adding more broth by 1/2 cupfuls and allowing liquid to be absorbed before adding more, stirring often.
• Add reserved asparagus stalk pieces and reserved asparagus tips and continue cooking until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy; adding broth as needed and stirring often, about 10 minutes longer.
• Add reserved asparagus puree and stir until absorbed, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan and cream.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer risotto to bowl.
• Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.
• Serve, passing remaining Parmesan separately.